Thank God it’s Friday
This is excerpted from my TGIF column at SOLA Network.
Articles From Around The Web
1. Tom Sugimura: Christmas Imagination or Carnal Ignorance?
So, year after year, we celebrate Christmas not as a pagan holiday or to excuse our shameless materialism. Each year, this day marks our Savior’s birth as a human child revered by kings and shepherds. This day ushers divine imagination into our reality.
2. Heidi Tai: Christmas Used to Be Perfect (Then I Grew Up)
“I have learned that the Christmas and holiday season can be a profoundly lonely and difficult time for many people. Much of our longing and anticipation for the “perfect” day ends up falling flat as we find ourselves stuck in another family drama or traffic jam, or grieving the loss of a loved one or unrealized dream. So why do I (still) bother with celebrating Christmas?”
3. John Piper: Famous for His Grace: How Christmas Makes Us Family
“Christmas is the coming of God to make a family from his foes.”
Books, Podcasts, Music, And More
1. Stephen Woodworth: Why A Charlie Brown Christmas Still Resonates
“Charlie Brown’s Christmas is a sincere Christmas that refuses to hide behind glazed hams, perfectly trimmed trees or the plastic smiles on a greeting card. It is an honest Christmas that speaks to the reason why the very first Christmas was so utterly necessary.”
2. Noah Senthil: Improvisation Is Key to Cultural Engagement
Cultural Sanctification reminds readers that misrepresentation, persecution, and even martyrdom will not derail the church’s mission. Christians must set their hope on the heavenly kingdom and the King who’s coming to judge the living and the dead. This book offers a powerful reminder that we can participate in this story of triumph too, but only if we’re willing to revisit the ancient path of the early church.
3. Aaron Lee: Related Works
Book Review: Changing Normal by Jolene Kinser. Listen to our TGIF playlist on Spotify. Join my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group.
Featured This Week On SOLA Network
1. Aaron Lee: His Strength Will Sustain: A Book Review of Walking with God Through the Valley
What happens when we cry out to God? In Walking with God Through the Valley, May Young writes on recovering the purpose of biblical lament.
2. Tom Sugimura: The “Problem” (and Proclamation!) of Christmas
This Christmas, proclaim the good news that Jesus takes away any fears related to your sins or sorrows. Jesus offers you peace with God and peace in your relationships, then fills you with his joy even in a fallen world.
3. Soojin Park: Prince of Peace
Judah thought they needed an immediate rescue from their enemies, but God promised them a greater peace that would come in the person of Jesus. As you meditate this Advent season, consider how you are also tempted to look to something or someone else for peace. Could God be reminding you that you already have your source of ultimate peace? May you drink from the riches of the gospel that remind you of all the ways in which Jesus gives us his peace as you consider his coming this season.
4. TGIF: Roundup for December 20, 2024
Humble Confidence as Secure Curiosity / The Presence of Advent / What Does Your Pulpit (Or Lack of One) Communicate to the Congregation? / Defying Gravity and the Weight of Sin / Best Books for Pastors in 2024
5. SOLA Network: TGIF Subscription
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